2. Touch the wooden gate in the
wall you never saw before. Say
"please" before you open the latch,
go through, walk down the path
A red metal imp hangs from the green-painted
front door, as a knocker, do not touch it; it will
bite your fingers. Walk through the house. Take
nothing. Eat nothing. However, if any creature tells
you that it hungers, feed it. If it tells you that it is
dirty, clean it. If it cries to you that it hurts, if you
can, ease its pain.
3. From the back garden
you will be able to see
the
wild wood.
The deep well you walk past leads to
Winter's
realm; there is another land at the
bottom of it. If you turn around here, you
can walk back, safely; you will lose no face. I
will think no less of you.
4. Once through the garden you
will be in the wood. The trees
are old. Eyes peer from the
under-growth.
Beneath a twisted oak sits an
old woman. She may ask for
something; give it to her.
5. She will point the way to the
castle. Inside it are three
princesses. Do not trust the
youngest. Walk on.
In the clearing beyond the castle the
twelve months sit about a fire,
warming their feet, exchanging tales.
They may do favors for you, if you are
polite.
6. You may pick strawberries in
December's frost. Trust the wolves,
but do not tell them where you are
going.
The river can be crossed by the ferry.
The ferry-
man will take you.
(The answer to his question is this:
7. If he hands the oar to his
passenger, he will be free to
leave the boat.
Only tell him this from a safe
distance.)
If an eagle gives you a feather, keep
it safe.
8. Remember: that giants sleep too soundly;
that
witches are often betrayed by their
appetites;
9. dragons have one soft spot, somewhere, always;
hearts can be well-hidden,
and you betray them with your tongue.
10. Do not be jealous of your sister.
Know that diamonds and roses
are as uncomfortable when they tumble
from
one's lips as toads and frogs:
colder, too, and sharper, and they cut.
11. Remember your name.
Do not lose hope — what you seek will be
found.
Trust ghosts. Trust those that you have
helped
to help you in their turn.
Trust dreams.
Trust your heart, and trust your story.
When you come back, return the way you came.
Favors will be returned, debts will be repaid.
Do not forget your manners.
Do not look back.
Ride the wise eagle (you shall not fall).
12. Ride the silver fish (you will not drown). Ride the grey wolf (hold tightly to his
fur).
13. There is a worm at the heart of the tower;
that is why it will not stand.
When you reach the little house, the
place
your journey started,
you will recognize it, although it will
seem
much smaller than you remember.
14. Walk up the path, and through the
garden gate
you never saw before but once.
And then go home. Or make a home.
And rest.
